Liverpool vs Napoli

Here we go again, another CL match against Napoli and lots has happened to them since our last meeting. Their owner Aurelio De Laurentiis decided to show the World exactly how to deal with these overpaid, over pampered, multi-millionaire footballers. After a poor performance (against Roma, I believe) he ordered to side to report for extra training which predictably they just ignored. He then ordered a media blackout which they promptly reported to the press. Fearing he was in danger of losing the dressing room and to respond to their very real concerns he decided the answer was to fine them all 25% of their wages. Clearly, this last measure will have the desired effect and I fully expect the team to respond accordingly. That and Insigne missing should mean three points in the bag for us and the chance to rest players in the final group stage match.

I don’t want to pre-empt the intense negotiations going on behind the scenes but I fully expect to shortly be in the position to announce the appointment of a new and much needed Conflict Resolution Officer for the LBN site. I am not going to mention any names and all I will say is he is Italian and has footballing experience. This new appointment comes hot on the heels of the other new appointment of Amanda Thirsk who took up her new post as the LBN Press Officer last week. She has lots of connections to people in high places and is already working on arranging us an interview on Newsnight. I will be discussing the details with her this weekend at a straightforward under sixteens shooting party, no sweat.